PC to Mac Convert Needs Help

Okay, I'm almost a convert -- I'm desperately awaiting my new iMac. I ordered it on 1/10. Anyway, my question is: How hard is it to reformat and install os x? My goal as a new mac user is not to touch os 9 at all. I don't even want it on my hard drive for fear of software conflicts (i.e. Palm desktop beta). So can I easily wipe out the hard drive and disk partitions and only have os x.1 on my system?

It's very easy. You just boot from the OS X install CD, put CD in hold down "c" while starting, and then use Drive Setup to format and "zero". Then install OS X.

I don't know if getting rid of Classic is a good idea. I don't know what's up with PalmDT but for the most part the two live on the disk rather well. Also trashing Mac OS 9/Classic is easy. Just drag the System Folder to the trash. You may have to boot from teh CD do it 'cause the OS will tell you that you can't trash the (other) OS. All of OS 9 is in one folder. Trash than and the OS 9 Apps folder and you're done.

remember when you "zero the data" on the hard disk with the reformat, it takes an awfully long time. If you are really serious about only using X, then just trash the "System Folder" NOT "system" from a bootup from the cd. That is all you should need to do.

I would just leave it on the disk. In the Classic preference panel there is a box you need to check to have Classic startup automatically at login. Leave it unchecked and you might never see Classic. It won't launch and won't consume any resources. However, it will be on the HD in case a situation arises which calls for it.

I would go around the disk and trash any applications, such as SimpleText, which might accidentally start it up.

Duals,
I recommend not trashing OS 9. I understand about conflicts, believe me. But there are plenty of apps which aren't OS X native yet( Outlook Express & Photoshop, for two), but which can run in what's called Classic and you'll need 9, which supplies the "environment" for that. You needn't reboot in 9, though that's relatively easy to do if you need to.
Also, there is beta version of Palm desktop for OS X, so you needn't worry about conflicts, as OS X doesn't have extensions!
Did you get a new flat panel iMac? It's a beautiful machine.
Good Luck,
Steve

It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got. -Sheryl Crow

That must be a new build? I haven't heard of it, is it good? <img src="graemlins/bugeye.gif" border="0" alt="[Skeptical]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

Worked on OS X 10.0. Just make sure Classic is running first. It also helps to have a Classic app front most IMO but other said there was no need. Never had a problem with. Of course the Visor is USB native.

Is it jsut the Palm pilot ?.... My palm 3 works great with either the Plam dsektop 2.7.3 (?) under classic, or woth the new plam Desk top for OS X....... much better than it ever did with OS 9 on its own..... and this iw with the USB converter kit and through a USB hub !!